Meet the Board of Directors

A vibrant sunset over a calm lake, with silhouettes of trees and mountains in the background.

Brook Austin Brown, President

Brook started volunteering with GCBS in April 2017 and joined the Board of Directors shortly thereafter in September 2017 as the Volunteer Coordinator. In January 2021 Brook became First Vice-President of the Board and in September 2023 he was elected President. He is only the third person to hold this title since the Bird Sanctuary’s inception in 1995. Brook is dedicated to continuously maintaining and improving the GCBS and can be found on the property most days.

Woman hiking in a forest on a rocky path.

Rosalyn Powers, Executive Vice-President

After spending more than a decade in NYC, permanently relocated with her growing family to Garden City in 2021. Growing up in Ohio & Michigan she spent most of her childhood outdoors, and always had an affinity for nature. Rose has a BA from Cleveland State University and works as an executive in Healthcare Finance. She also has an active RN license here in NY, that she was able to utilize when volunteering to help her community at Lenox Hill Hospital during the global pandemic in 2020. Rose is an ARMY veteran, wife, mother of two and holds a strong sense of community. She joined the GCBS Board of Directors in September 2023 after recognizing what an incredible resource the sanctuary is for its residents and the environment. Rose became Executive Vice-President in October 2026.

A serene landscape featuring a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Annette Seltzer, First Vice-President

Annette and her husband moved to Garden City South in 1989. She became a Director in 2012, and became Secretary of the Board on January 1, 2013. Annette became First Vice-President in October 2026.

Jacqueline Reinhard, Secretary

Jacqueline Reinhard is a life-long resident of Garden City. She is a graduate of Garden City HS and the University of Mary Washington. She has a masters degree from the University of Illinois. Her career has been in non-profit management including The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter and SHARE Cancer Support. She joined the GCBS Board of Directors in September 2021 due to her concern for the environment and love of bird watching. Jacqueline became Secretary in October 2026.

John Cronin, Director

John is an educator and attorney who has long been involved with the GCBS. He is a graduate of Nassau Community College (AA), Molloy College (BA), St. John's University (M.S. Ed) and Hofstra Law School (J.D.). He became a Director in 2000, served as Vice- President of the Board from 2008-2011 and became President of the Board on September 1, 2011. John stepped down as President of the Board of Directors on October 1, 2023. He felt it was time for someone else to lead the organization and supported Brook Brown as his successor. John remains on the Board as First Vice-President and President Emeritus, to support the new Board President and give advice that comes from one who has been there. John moved back to Director in October 2026.

People roasting marshmallows over a campfire in the snow.

Anthony Cenzoprano, Director

Lifetime Garden City resident, husband of Janice and father of two. BS Biology/Geology Adelphi University, SUNY Downstate School of Allied Health at Brooklyn, Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed, Proprietor of The Physical Rehabilitation Center and The Physical Fitness Center in Garden City South. Responsible for fighting Suffolk County to provide pollution control to rain runoff into Shinnecock Bay. He loves the outdoors, nature, hiking, and is handy in the trades. He likes to tinker and repair things in the GCBS. Tony was became a Director in 2010.

A serene landscape featuring a mountain, a lake, and a clear blue sky.

Evan Sandgren, Director

Evan Works For the MTA. He lived in Garden City most of his life until he moved to Bethpage in 2016 with his wife. Evan Graduated Garden City High School in 2012.

He became a Director in 2014, became Executive Vice-President in 2020, and moved back to Director in October 2026.

Jeanne Dippel, Director

Jeanne started volunteering with GCBS in 2022 as the Volunteer Captain. She joined the Board of Directors in September 2022.

Umberto D'Urso, Director

Umberto started volunteering at GCBS with his son in 2022. He joined the Board of Directors in September 2024.